Semen is a white or grey liquid, but can occasionally appear yellowish. Pink or red semen suggests that blood is present. Although this is only rarely due to a serious health problem. Usually, each milliliter of semen contains millions of spermatozoa (sperm), but the majority of the volume consists of secretions of the glands in the male reproductive organs. The purpose of semen is purely for reproduction, as a vehicle to carry the spermatozoa into the female reproductive tract.

The WHO provides a definition of a ‘normal’ sperm count

the concentration of spermatozoa should be at least 20 million per ml.

the total volume of semen should be at least 2ml.

the total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate should be at least 40 million.

at least 75 per cent of the spermatozoa should be alive (it is normal for up to 25 per cent to be dead).

at least 30 per cent of the spermatozoa should be of normal shape and form.

at least 25 per cent of the spermatozoa should be swimming with rapid forward movement.

at least 50 per cent of the spermatozoa should be swimming forward, even if only sluggishly.

Causes for low sperm count

Infected semen :

Tight underpants, bathing in very hot water, sitting for long hours, overweight in which fat layers sag on testicles reduce sperm count

Very frequent semen ejaculation also lead to lowered sperm count and man may become effectively infertile. Hence maintaining a gap of 3 days between two consecutive ejaculations keeps a man more fertile.

Smoking, Excessive alcohol intake.

Over exertion physically and mentally

Zinc deficiency

Infections present in prostate gland.

Malformed genital organs.

Anabolic steroid use

10 Ways you can Increase Your Sperm Count

1. Have sex & masturbate less often – the more times you ejaculate, the less dense your semen will be. Maintain a gap of 3 days between two consecutive ejaculations.

2. Refrain from habits like smoking, alcohol consumption etc. – Alcohol affects your liver function, which, in turn, causes a dramatic rise in estrogen levels. Even two drinks a day will have long-term effects on sperm production

3. Exercise regularly. Exercising your PC muscle can help you shoot further than ever before.

4. Eat Nutritious Food – Diet that’s low in fat, and high in protein, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your health and for your sperm. Avoid bitter, astringent and spicy foods. Reduce caffeine intake